Page 21 - Final GA Motorcycle Operators Manual Updated June 2021

SECTION 2

BEING IN SHAPE A typical drink equals about half an ounce Other Impairing Drugs and Riding
TO RIDE of alcohol. This is the approximate amount of All drugs may affect your ability to ride safely.
alcohol found in:
This is true of many prescription, over-the-coun-
• one shot of distilled spirits, or ter, and illegal drugs. If you are not sure if it is
This Section Covers • one 5-ounce glass of wine, or safe to take a drug and ride, ask your doctor or
pharmacist about any side effects.
• one 12-ounce beer. Never drink alcohol while you are taking
Alcohol, Other Drugs other drugs. These drugs could multiply the
and Riding ..................2.1 Alcohol Concentration effects of alcohol or have additional effects of
their own. These effects not only reduce your
Health ........................ 2.2 ability to operate your motorcycle, but could
cause serious health problems, even death.
Emotions ................... 2.3
2.2 – Health
Georgia’s Impaired
There are many health conditions that can
Driving Laws affect your riding, even little problems. Check
and Penalties ........... 2.4 with your doctor if a health condition could
interfere with you operating a motorcycle.

Riding a motorcycle demands your full 2.3 – Emotions
attention. Responsible riders pay attention
to the riding environment, identify potential What Affects My Blood Alcohol Emotions can interfere with your ability to
hazards, look for escape routes and make Concentration (BAC)? think, create mental distractions, increase risk-
good decisions. BAC refers to the amount of alcohol contained taking, create a lack of attention, and interrupt
in a person’s blood. In all states, an adult with the ability to process information. You may not
be able to give all your attention to operating a
a BAC of 0.08% or above is considered intoxi- motorcycle if you are overly worried, excited,
cated. However, impairment begins with the afraid, angry or depressed.
first drink. Even under .08, you can be impaired
2.1 – Alcohol, Other Drugs and convicted for riding impaired. How fast
and Riding a person’s BAC rises varies with a number of 2.4 – Georgia’s Impaired Driving
factors: Laws and Penalties
Alcohol is a major contributor to motorcycle • The number of drinks. The more you drink, (OCGA §40-6-391)
crashes, particularly fatal crashes. According to the higher the BAC.
2017 NHTSA statistics, 42% of motorcycle riders First Offense
who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2015 were • How fast you drink. When alcohol is con-
alcohol-impaired. Riding “under the influence” sumed quickly, you will reach a higher BAC • Possible jail time up to one year, but not less
of alcohol or other drugs poses mental, physical than when it is consumed over a longer period than 24 hours
and legal hazards for every rider. of time. • Fine of $300 minimum, up to $1,000
By becoming knowledgeable about the effects • Your gender. Women generally have less
of alcohol and other drugs, you will see that water and more body fat per pound of body • License suspension of up to one year
riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.
weight than men. Alcohol does not go into fat • 40 hours of community service, minimum
Effects of Alcohol and cells as easily as other cells, so more alcohol mandatory
other Impairing Drugs remains in the blood of women. • Mandatory DUI Alcohol/Drug Risk Reduc-
• Your weight. The more you weigh, the more tion Program at offender’s expense
Alcohol and other drugs impair your:
water is present in your body. This water • Mandatory 12 months probation
• Judgment – Alcohol and other impairing dilutes the alcohol and lowers the BAC.
drugs affect those areas of your brain that con- • Food in your stomach. Absorption will be • Possible Clinical Evaluation at offender’s
trol judgment. You may not be able to make slowed if you’ve had something to eat. expense
good decisions about the traffic conditions or • $210 license reinstatement fee
how to protect yourself. Don’t Drink or Don’t Ride
• Vision – Alcohol and certain types of drugs Second Offense within Five
can blur your vision, slow your ability to focus The safest and most responsible choice is to Years of First Offense
and cause double vision. not drink and ride, because once you start, your
judgment is affected and your ability to say “no” • Minimum mandatory 72 hours in jail, pos-
• Reaction Time – Alcohol and other impair- gets weaker. sible 90 days to one year
ing drugs slow your ability to process infor- If you plan on drinking, leave your motorcy- • Fine of $600 minimum, up to $1,000
mation and impact your ability to react cle at home and find other transportation so you
quickly to a situation. won’t be tempted to ride impaired. Or, call ahead • License suspension of 18 months
to where you plan on drinking and ask if there
How Alcohol Works is a secure place for you to store your motorcycle • Minimum 30 days community service
overnight so you can find an alternative way • Mandatory 12 months probation
Unlike other beverages, alcohol is absorbed
directly through the walls of the stomach and home – such as a taxi or designated driver. • Mandatory DUI Alcohol/Drug Risk Reduc-
the small intestine, goes into the bloodstream, There are no shortcuts to sobering up fast. tion Program at offender’s expense
and travels throughout the body and to the None of the “remedies” you may have heard
brain. Alcohol is absorbed quickly and can be about – cold showers, hot coffee, or physical exer- • $210 set license reinstatement fee
measured within 30 to 70 minutes after a person cise – will make you sober faster. The only proven • A mandatory clinical evaluation at offender’s
has had a drink. remedy to sobering up is time. Remember – your expense
body can process about one drink an hour.

Georgia Motorcycle Operators Manual 19